Environmental Impact: Composite vs Wood
| Factor | Pressure-Treated Wood | Trex Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Raw materials | Harvested timber (deforestation) | 95% recycled plastic + wood |
| Chemical treatment | Copper-based preservatives (toxic) | None |
| Maintenance chemicals | Stain, sealant, stripper (annual) | Soap and water only |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years → landfill | 25-50 years |
| End of life | Cannot recycle (chemical-treated) | Recyclable (some brands) |
| Plastic diverted from landfill | None | 500M+ lbs/year (Trex) |
| Carbon footprint (lifecycle) | Higher (short life + chemicals) | Lower (long life + recycled input) |
| Soil/water contamination | Stain runoff, wood treatment leaching | None |
How Trex Makes Decking from Recycled Materials
- Collection: Trex partners with retailers and communities to collect used plastic film — grocery bags, newspaper sleeves, dry cleaning bags, and sandwich bags. They also collect reclaimed sawdust from woodworking operations.
- Processing: Plastic film is cleaned, shredded, and melted. Sawdust is dried and refined. Both streams are combined into a composite blend.
- Extrusion: The blend is extruded into deck board profiles with a protective polymer cap (the outer shell that resists fading, staining, and scratching).
- Result: A deck board that is 95% recycled content, requires zero chemical maintenance, and lasts 25+ years — turning waste into outdoor living space.
Sustainability by the Numbers
500M+
Pounds of plastic and wood diverted from landfills each year by Trex
95%
Recycled content in every Trex deck board
140,000
Plastic bags diverted per average 500 sqft deck
25-50
Year lifespan vs 10-15 for wood — fewer replacements over time
0
Gallons of chemical stain/sealant needed over the deck's lifetime
0
Trees harvested for your Trex deck (reclaimed wood only)
Which Composite Brands Are Most Sustainable?
| Brand | Recycled Content | Manufacturing | Recyclable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trex | 95% recycled (plastic + wood) | USA — Winchester, VA & Fernley, NV | Yes (Trex recycling program) |
| TimberTech PRO | Partial recycled content | USA | Check with manufacturer |
| TimberTech AZEK | PVC-based (not recycled input) | USA | PVC is recyclable |
| Deckorators | Mineral-based composite | USA | Limited |
| Fiberon | Recycled content varies by line | USA | Check with manufacturer |
Our pick for sustainability: Trex — highest recycled content (95%), USA-manufactured (two facilities including one in Virginia), and an active recycling program. As a certified Trex Pro installer, we're proud to build with the industry's most sustainable product. Learn more about our Trex services.
FAQ
Is composite decking eco-friendly?
Yes. Trex is 95% recycled (plastic bags + reclaimed wood). Diverts 500M+ lbs from landfills yearly. Zero chemical maintenance.
Better for environment than wood?
Yes — recycled inputs, 2-3x longer lifespan, no chemical stains, no timber harvesting, recyclable at end of life.
Can composite be recycled?
Some brands yes. Trex has a recycling program. Installation scraps can also be recycled.